Push-up exercise device

ABSTRACT

A push-up exercise device for assisting in performing a push-up exercise is described which may enable a user to reduce stress on the wrists by not having to bend them during the exercise while also allows a user to engage more muscles to balance one&#39;s self during the course of the push-up. The device includes a handle and a support structure which has a curve shape. The shape of the support structure allows the handle to rotate or move in a substantially vertical plane along its length, while preventing the handle from rotating along its longitudinal axis. Additionally the exercise device can be turned to its side where the handle and part of the support structure form a stable base on a planar surface while the other part of the support structure can be used as a grasp section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/087,805

Filing Date: 5 Dec. 2014

EFS ID: 20873473

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an exercise device, and more particularly to a push-up exercise device for use in performing enhanced push-up exercises.

Push-ups are a very popular exercise. These compound exercises allow a user to build strength and endurance for upper body, core and lower body muscles. Push-ups are a standard part of many military's physical training and are also used in many popular fitness programs. Another great thing about push-ups is their versatility as they can be performed anywhere, anytime.

Conventional push-ups, typically performed with hands placed on the ground, have limitations. Conventional push-ups place stress on the wrists due to wrist hyperextension when the user's body is lowered to the same level as the hands or when the body is fully elevated. Another limitation of conventional push-ups is the limitation of the number of muscles involved. Since hands are placed on a stable ground only muscles aiding the body movement in the vertical direction is required, limiting the effectiveness of this exercise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a push-up exercise device that enables a user to perform push-up exercises with reduced wrist stress; by allowing a user to maintain a comfortable wrist angle during the course of the push-up exercise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a push-up exercise device that enables a user to gain more results; by allowing a user to involve a larger range of muscles during the push-up exercise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a push-up exercise device that enables a user to workout at a desired intensity and comfort level; by allowing a user to choose between alternative modes of usage of the push-up exercise device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A push-up exercise device is provided. Typically the push-up exercise device includes a handle for grasping by a user. A left structure and a right structure, which have curved shape, are connected to each ends of the handle and form a support base. The curve shape of the support base allows the push-up exercise device to roll on a surface in such a way that the handle can rotate or move in a substantially vertical plane along its length, while preventing the handle from rotating along its longitudinal axis. Additionally the push-up exercise device can be turned to its side, resting on the handle and one of the left structure or right structure while the other structure can be used as a handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a push-up exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Push-up exercise device 1 has a handle 2 a for grasping by a user. Right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c are attached to both ends of handle 2 a. In practice handle 2 a, right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c can be made from one continuous structural member 2. Structural member 2 can be made of material such as steel or aluminum, and can have round, oval or other cross sectional shape.

Right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c have curved shape and form a base to support handle 2 a. When push-up exercise device 1 is placed on a flat surface, right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c come into contact with that surface in two areas on two opposite sides of the handle. This prevents the handle from rotating along its longitudinal axis. The curved shape of right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c allows push-up exercise device 1 to roll on a flat surface such that handle 2 a can move or rotate in a substantially vertical plane along its length.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, device 1 includes a hand grip 3 which covers a large portion of handle 2 a. Hand grip 3 is made of compressible material to provide comfort and friction when grasped by a user hand. Cover 4 a and 4 b are attached to right section 2 b and left section 2 c respectively. Cover 4 a and 4 b are made from non-slip material like rubber to prevent device 1 from slipping on carpet or hard floor surfaces.

Use of device 1 may enable a user to perform push-up exercises with reduced wrist stress. When a user's body is moved up and down during a push-up exercise, the user's forearms change direction relative to the ground in various degree. The rotation of handle 2 a allows the user's hands to rotate with the forearms, maintaining a comfortable wrist angle throughout the entire push-up exercise.

Use of device 1 may benefit a user with improved results from the workout. When a user's body is moved up and down during a push-up exercise, the user's forearms change direction, imparting rotation of handle 2 a and device 1. The location of the contact area between right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c to the ground changes. This change in the support location for the body may require the user to involve more range of muscles while raising and lower the body.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a push-up exercise device 1 when it's turned to its side. In this embodiment handle 2 a and either right structure 2 b or left structure 2 c rest on a flat surface. The other raised left structure 2 c or right structure 2 b will become a grasping handle while device 1 remains stationary on a surface.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device 1 in another mode of usage. In this mode each right structure 2 b and left structure 2 c is being held in each hand of a user. Push-up exercise device 1 rests on the ground by handle 2 a via hand grip 3.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a push-up exercise device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Push-up exercise device 10 has a handle 11. A right section 12 a and left section 12 b form a support base and is attached to one or both ends of handle 11. Alternatively one or both of section 12 a and 12 b are allowed to rotate relative to handle 11. This allows push-up exercise device 10 to fold for more compact storage, as shown in FIG. 5.

While specific examples of the invention are described in detail above to facilitate explanation of various aspects of the invention, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the invention to the specifics of the example. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a handle with a left end and a right end; a left structure connected to the left end of the handle; a right structure connected to the right end of the handle; wherein said left structure and right structure have a curved shape; the left and right structure form a support base that allows the exercise device to roll on the curved base so that the handle can rotate or move in a substantially vertical plane along its length, while preventing the handle from rotating along its longitudinal axis.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle, left structure and right structure are formed by one continuous structural member.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein part of the handle has a grasp section comprises of compressible material to provide comfort and friction for the human hand.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each left structure and right structure has a cover to provide a frictional contact area when the exercise device is sitting on a surface.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the structure is formed such that when the exercise device is turned to its side, at least one of the left structure or right structure along with the handle will provide a stable base on a planar surface, while the other structure can be used as a handle.
 6. An exercise device comprising: a base support structure connected to a handle on at least one end; wherein the base support structure has a curved shape and is configured to allow the exercise device to pivot so that the handle can rotate or move in a substantially vertical plane along its length, while preventing the handle from rotating along its longitudinal axis.
 7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein part of the handle has a grasp section comprises of compressible material to provide comfort and friction for the human hand.
 8. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein at least part of the support structure is covered with material that provides frictional contact to a supporting surface.
 9. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the support structure is configured so that part of the support structure and the handle can sit on a planar surface and form a stable base, while the other part of the support structure is used as a grasp section.
 10. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the support structure is configured to be collapsible for compact storage. 